Wednesday, January 09, 2008

D'oh! ... "The Simpsons" are on Display at the Buena Park Library District

Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie Simpson are now on display at the Buena Park Library District. Hito Zapata's fantastic collection of comics, toys, and other “Simpsons” collectibles are now on exhibit in the Library lobby through the end of February 2008. The Buena Park Library is located at 7150 La Palma Avenue in Buena Park, between Knott and Western Avenues.

A kindergarten teacher, Zapata began collecting comic books in 1993 and has an extensive collection. Although he has an entire collection of “Simpsons” comics, he did not begin collecting “Simpsons” toys until 2000. Amongst the items on display at the Library are a “Clue” game with Simpson characters, Homer slippers, a set of toys based upon “The Island of Dr. Moreau” - even a “Chia” head of Homer.

“The Simpsons” were created by cartoonist Matt Groening. He named the characters after members of his own family (except Bart – an anagram of “brat”). “The Simpsons” first appeared on the Tracey Ullman Show in 1987 as short, animated cartoons. “The Simpsons” debuted in their half hour series in December 1989. Always irreverent, sometimes steeped in controversy, “The Simpsons” have added a number of phrases to popular culture such as “D’oh” and “Don’t have a cow, man!”

Stop by the Buena Park Library and look for your favorite residents of Springfield. You will be amazed at the inventive ways the Simpsons have been used to market items. Anyone for a pair of Homer boxers? The Buena Park Library is open Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. For information, please call the Reference Desk at 714-826-4100, ext. 125.